Joe Walsh, guitarist of the classic rock band The Eagles, dropped out of a show on July 17 because he didn’t realize it was a launch for the Republican National Convention.
Walsh, who made a statement on Facebook April 20, said that he was under the impression that the event in Cleveland, Ohio, was a non-partisan event to support American veterans:
“It was my understanding that I was playing a concert which was a non partisan event to benefit the families of American veterans on Sunday, July 17 in Cleveland. The admat I approved said this specifically.”
The Eagles guitarist continued following an announcement that he had been misinformed, and that it was actually a launch of the Republican National Convention.
“Today it was announced that this event is, in fact, a launch for the Republican National Convention. In addition, my name is to be used to raise sponsorship dollars for convention-related purposes.”
After considering the new information, the guitarist withdrew from the event, apologizing to his fans and veterans.
In addition to announcing his withdrawal, Walsh condemned the current Republican campaigns and disavowed any support for the party.
“I am very concerned about the rampant vitriol, fear-mongering and bullying coming from the current Republican campaigns,” Walsh said.
“It is both isolationist and spiteful. I cannot in good conscience endorse the Republican party in any way.
Walsh is scheduled to co-headline the “One Hell of a Night Tour” with Bad Company, which begins in Dallas on May 12.
The guitarist promised in the statement to do a veterans benefits tour later this year.
This is not the first time that Walsh has weighed in about politics. In 2013, Joe Walsh backed Illinois Democrat Tammy Duckworth in her race with tea party candidate Rep. Joe Walsh.
Joe Walsh started his career as a leader of the early 70s rock group James Gang before joining The Eagles in 1975. He also has had a very successful solo career since 1972 with his album “Barnstorm.”
In 1979 Walsh launched an unsuccessful and satirical presidential campaign where he promised to make gas free and to have his hit song “Life’s Been Good” as the new national anthem.
Friends Read Free